5th Principle: The Right of Conscience and the Use of the Democratic Process Within Our Congregations and in Society at Large
Our Fifth UU Principle is taking center stage these days on a state and national level, as attempts to discourage or intimidate voters from voting are getting pushed though state legislatures, including our own. This has led to the standoff between the Governor and a group of members of the Texas House who are refusing to attend the current special session thereby preventing a quorum.
To be clear, as a congregation we do not take a partisan stance, but do advance our UU Principles, in this case by defending the democratic process. While there are various scenarios that might play out on this current legislation, no matter what transpires in Austin or in Washington, an important way that we can do so is to participate in the electoral process in various ways.
Whether it means serving as a voter registrar or an election judge or in get out the vote activities, we can help potential voters navigate the changing system. Last year, many UUCBV members helped send out postcards as part of the UU The Vote campaign. Through our membership in Texas UU Justice Ministry, our denominational state-level advocacy group, we are partnering with Texas Impact, a larger organization of progressive faith organizations, in an important project to get faith communities involved in this work.
Texas Impact has also set up a special Rapid Response Team so we can contact our legislators when action is needed. You can join at https://texasimpact.org/take-action/ .
Please watch the Ecast and future Lat articles as we organize local actions to secure our democracy.
Ways to Help in Haiti
The UU Service Committee is organizing a relief effort for those affected by the Haiti earthquake and other recent disruptions there. You can donate here.
UNICEF is also working to get relief to Haiti. You can donate here.
CROP Hunger Walk
Mark your calendar as once again this November 14th, a team of walkers from UUCBV will join other area congregations and organizations to raise money to fight hunger through the CROP Hunger Walk. This year, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage around the world, the problem of food insecurity has worsened due to closures and job losses. One quarter of the funds raised by this event will go to local food banks with the remainder going to those in need outside our area.
Once you join the Brazos UU team, you find donors to sponsor you. This process is made easy by the CROP Walk Website. On November 14, you can do the full walk or any portion thereof. This is a great kid-friendly event and your dog on a leash is welcome to participate. The route is wheelchair accessible.
You can sign up for Team Brazos UU’s here: https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2021/team/brazos-uus
We hope to have a successful showing this year!